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May 30, 2006
Children in Care Minister's Awareness of Concerns |
| Question Period |
Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Minnedosa):
When this minister speaks about the record of this government, 31 children have lost their life because this minister has no leadership skills to address the issues. If there have been concerns raised during the current reviews of the children in care, the Minister of Family Services has a duty to apprise herself of these concerns. Mr. Speaker, when will this minister inform Manitobans what concerns were raised, how were they dealt with and is she satisfied that the children in her care and under her watch are not at risk?
Hon. Christine Melnick (Minister of Family Services and Housing):
Mr. Speaker, I will quote from the letter that was tabled last week, and it says: Please be advised that all our respective agencies have completed their review of current cases. Agencies were also instructed to immediately attend to any concerns about a case arising from the review, and they have assured us that they are following up on any concerns identified. We would like to assure you that any concerns that are identified about any particular case are being followed up on by the authorities. We will not be waiting for the final report to address such concerns. These are professionals working on the front line, very delicate situations, vulnerable children, vulnerable families, and members opposite do nothing more than try to undermine their good work. Shame on members opposite, Mr. Speaker.
Mrs. Rowat:
Shame on the minister. She is refusing to answer the question. The letter to Jay Rodgers from the Southern First Nations Network of Care implies that there are concerns that are being dealt with, even if she said none have been brought to her attention. It is her responsibility to follow through. Mr. Speaker, will the minister ask the authorities to brief her on the concerns raised during the review and to ensure herself that all children in her care are safe? It is simple, respond.
Ms. Melnick:
Well, you talk about ministerial responses. Within a week of learning of the tragic incident, I called for an external review based on cases for an extended section 4 review. This is in contrast to the former minister who sits in the front row of the opposition bench who, when the issue of caseloads was raised, and it was 45 to 80 caseloads, said: That is the responsibility of Winnipeg Child and Family. She refused to work with them. She refused to acknowledge that she had a responsibility of a minister. I think the Member for Minnedosa should talk to the former minister about responsibility.
Mrs. Rowat:
Mr. Speaker, what is she hiding and what is she afraid of? The minister refuses to be accountable and responsible. The minister shows no leadership. When questions are asked, she needs to satisfy herself that the children are being taken care of that are in her care. Mr. Speaker, will the minister responsible for children in care tell the House today what concerns authorities have brought forward, what actions she is taking and will she respond to the questions?
Ms. Melnick:
This is a government that not only supports front-line workers, we also support foster families. That is in direct contrast to the former minister who cut foster family rates three times; '93, '94 and '96. She also cut all funding to the Manitoba Foster Family Network. We have increased foster family rates four times and we have restored funding to the Manitoba Foster Family Network. I am pleased to say that I have gone to many of their AGMs. We support the foster families, we support the front-line workers and this is the government that cares for the children of Manitoba.
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